Climate change and the Northeast United States

Increases in the frequency and intensity of some climate extremes—especially heat waves, coastal flooding, and inland precipitation--are projected to challenge the Northeast’s environmental, social, and economic systems. This will increase the vulnerability of residents, especially its most disadvantaged populations. Vital infrastructure will be increasingly compromised as well. Agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will also be affected by multiple stressors, including climate change. While a majority of Northeastern states and a rapidly growing number of municipalities have begun to incorporate the risk of climate change into their planning, implementation of adaptation measures is still at early stages.